2014-11-20

With the end of term finally behind them, Aubrey and Daniel look forward to building a life together. A painful realization that they can’t truly embrace the future until they’ve come to terms with the past leads them to discover the healing potential of forgiveness and the power of unconditional love.

Like the first two books in the series, The Truest of Words is a romantic tale that blends witty banter with passion and drama.

Raum's Review:

The Wordstrilogy is fantastic not only for romance fans, but also for Shakespeare lovers. Georgina Guthrie explores new ways to create a connection between great literary masterpieces and a love story; every literary quote she puts in her story is important for the plot.

It doesn't mean that you have to be a scholar to enjoy these novels: this trilogy is not a literary essay, but it deals with love, trust, and with the importance of being truthful, especially with those you care about; anyway, the literary references, that you can enjoy even if you've never read anything about Shakespeare, could be a good start to broaden your horizons.

I believe this is one of the most precious things that literature can offer to every reader: the possibility to feel that an author from a completely different country or time seems to understand you better than a close friend. Aubrey and Daniel use Shakespeare's words to try to express their feelings, and they often find themselves identifying with Shakespeare's characters as they try to grapple with their day to day trials and tribulations and the developing relationship between them.

But this trilogy doesn't deal only with literature: it's set in Toronto, and the setting is described so well that you'll often have the impression that you have seen those places with your own eyes, as you read about Daniel and Aubrey making new memories in those special places.

If you like romance, if you want to follow the main characters in a long journey where they deal with their baggage, this trilogy is for you!

Emily Portman loves her job. A writer for Breakout! Magazine, she shadows and showcases up-and-coming bands. When her next assignment takes her to Austin, Texas, she can’t wait to add the city to her map of places she’s visited. Places she’s left without looking back. Her plan is to keep moving on, and the last thing she needs is a man holding her back. She’s not going down that road again.
Tyler Macy is stuck in a rut. Despite his exceptional talent as a musician, he has chosen to take a backseat with his music and let others grab the limelight. Wounded and mistrustful, he doesn’t appreciate his friends’ efforts to bring him back to center stage. Emily comes onto the scene and sees his full potential, but he fights to stay in the shadows, shutting her out before she can add to the scars another woman gave him.
For Tyler to find his music again, he needs to accept the help that Emily and their friends offer. When he discovers that his muse lies underneath Emily’s skin, it is still not enough to keep her from walking away. Neither will admit what they really want until it is too late.
Emily is once again thrown in Tyler’s path when she is assigned to join them on tour. Despite the pain in his past, Tyler sees that she is worth it, even if she’s stolen both his heart and peace of mind. In order for them to be together, they both must discover whether the music and their passion are enough to overcome the obstacles that separate them.
Maybe finding love is worth the risk.

Amber Johnson has authored several romance novels that focus on music and the way it can touch people’s hearts. She believes that Happily Ever Afters occur every day—despite the obstacles that real life serves up on a regular basis. Always with two rubber bands on her wrist and a song in her head, Amber is a rebel who puts too much creamer in her coffee, which she drinks out of a cup that reads ‘Cocoa.’ A full-time wife and mother with a day job, she writes whenever she can. If she’s not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she’s supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and eyes closed, waiting for the drop.

2014-11-09

How do you go about crafting your characters and how did you find such a unique voice in your writing?

I really love these questions!

Crafting characters for me has always been fairly easy because they’re usually inspired by people I know. Whether it be through a conversation we’ve had or a relationship they have with another person, I can start to form a new incarnation of them. (Not you, Mom. None of these moms are you. You can stop making faces at me now). They take on different characteristics but they always start as someone familiar to me. As a writer I feel like there’s a little piece of me in at least once character in any given book. Even in Eight Days. Drew is essentially a thirteen year old boy – his sarcasm and humor are very immature. But that’s how my brain works too. I don’t think one day goes by where I don’t say That’s What She Said. Or just make an innuendo. Out. Of. Anything. (I think it’s a gift. My husband doesn’t.)

I’m so flattered that people think I have a unique voice. As a writer, I’ve tried my hand at many genres and topics. I wanted to explore what kind of tone fit best with what I was trying to convey. In the end I found that even when I tried to do angst or heartbreak, I was still cracking jokes and doing dialogue the way I’d speak with anyone I’ve ever met. Humor and sarcasm has always been a defense of mine, so I guess it just comes naturally. I strive to write each chapter like an episode of a television show. Like I should end the chapter at the same time as a commercial break, I guess? That sounds really weird but it about sums it up.

Gwen Stone has secrets she’s not ready to reveal. After a recent promotion at work, she needs a caretaker for her children. She’s frenzied and in a lurch and pretty much ready to hire the first person who comes along. So she does.
Andrew Lyons needs to get out of his sister’s apartment, and a Craigslist posting may be the answer to his prayers. But what he thought was an ad for a room rental turns into a job offer he can’t refuse. Accepting the nanny position could change his life, if only he had a clue how to be a grownup.
A working mother, a shirtless “manny” who looks good in a towel, two children who need more than a babysitter, and hours of kids’ TV can only spell disaster for everyone involved. Because a manny should always mind his own business. And he definitely shouldn’t fall in love with his boss.

Amber is a full-time mom and a full-time wife who is employed full time and writes when she can. She believes in Happily Ever Afters that occur every day—despite the obstacles real life serves up on a regular basis. Or perhaps they’re sweeter simply because of them. She always has two rubber bands on her wrist, a song in her head, and too much creamer in her coffee cup that reads ‘Cocoa,’ because she’s a rebel.
If she’s not at her desk, with her boys, or behind the computer, she’s supporting live music with her arms raised above her head and her eyes closed, waiting for the drop.

"Laugh-out-loud story about a guy who goes to look at a room to rent and discovers it comes with a job - that of live-in nanny to two damaged kids. So Andrew Lyons accidentally becomes the "manny". Written in his POV, this book chronicles his hilarious escapades as he looks after and grows to love Bree and Brady, and his employer, Gwen. His pranks and spot-on observations about kids' TV shows had me giggling, but there were a few serious moments worthy of a sniffle as well. The star of the show may be Don, though - you'll just have to read this book to find out about him! Highly recommended."

Round 1 voting begins Sunday, November 2 and closes Saturday, November 8 at 11:59pm EST. Round 1 voting winners will be revealed November 15. Rules for the voting process may be found here (bit.ly/1tNf5ow).

2014-11-05

Summary: Kate Kavanagh is happy raising her daughter and focusing on work, but when the girl moves to New York for a fantastic job and ends up moving in with her philandering father, things get complicated. Her best friend, Madeline Stein, has been a career girl all her life. As a single mom, her job defines her, so when she loses it, Maddy needs to find something or someone else to make her forties fun. Portia Kavanagh hits New York with a bang, but she’s so hungry for adventure she bites off more of the Big Apple than planned. Portia retreats to what she thinks is the sanctuary of her father’s home and soon discovers she’s not the only one in the family with an overactive appetite. Kate and Maddy find themselves leaving their lovely hometown of Lincoln, outside Boston, for the fertile and romantic hills of Tuscany. However, blue skies, rich wine, and charming Italians bring the women a whole new world that they have to maneuver with the grace and style of a Lincoln Lady. Portia’s high-octane life in Manhattan comes at a price, too. Out of the millions of men she could have, she chooses the only one she’s meant to avoid. Her quandary: Has she made a mistake of epic proportions or found the one in a million? This is a story of three fantastic women on a journey of self-discovery. With more ups and downs than a Florentine fairground, the ladies survive love, loss, and fresh pasta by laughing at life and using a doggie bag. There are lots of thrills and spills along the way, but in the end it’s all about friendship, attitude, and walking off that fabulous food. Come on an adventure and enjoy the ride with the lovely Lincoln Ladies.

In your bio, I see you've had books translated into Norwegian and German. How does that experience compare? Do you translate your own books?

“Wunderbar!” I hooted when my fabulous Agent, Sheila Crowley, told me she’d secured a lucrative two book deal with Random House (http://www.randomhouse.de/blanvalet/). I was so excited and was already working out my granny/babysitting roster when she broke it to me that I wouldn’t need to go to Germany because I didn’t speak German. There would be no radio interviews with gorgeous blond-haired, blue eyed DJs and we’d be skipping the luxury hotels and lovely German food. I put away my English-German dictionary and headed back to my computer…

I never spoke with anyone in Germany and the publishing house had the work translated without any input from me. If nuances were changed and plots altered, ultimately it was not my business.

By selling the rights, I relinquished control and I was perfectly happy to do that, just to see the books translated. To be honest, translators in foreign publishing houses stick pretty much to the script. They’re not interested in changing the story – just translating it.

Last year, the fabulous Lyndsey Blessing at Inkwell got me a publishing deal with the Norwegian publishing house Cappelen Damm (http://www.cappelendamm.no/). This time I did have a contact who became quite a good email friend. I wasn’t naive enough to ask about any possible tours although I still fancied the idea of being interviewed by a gorgeous blond-haired, blue eyed DJ – this time of the Nordic variety. (Have you seen the trailers for Vikings – seriously?!) The Norwegian book cover is absolutely lovely – very different form the US cover but I still love it. I’ve had a few emails from Norway but thankfully they mailed me in English because my Norwegian is about as good as my German. Nonexistent.

I’m thrilled to see my work move out into foreign countries and get translated into other languages. The reality however, is I’m still at my desk typing away. If you have similar aspirations, get to work but remember being a writer means you’re usually writing – not jet setting around the globe, being wined and dined and interviewed by blonde-haired, blue eyed …. Well, you know. I hope you enjoy reading my books as much as I love writing them. Get connected through any of these links.

Suzy Duffy is an international and #1 best-selling author. She writes laugh-out-loud, life-affirming stories about women from five to ninety-five. (Sometimes she writes about men, too, but only for comedic purposes, and pets—if they’re funny.) Her books have won numerous awards and critical acclaim. They’ve been published in Norwegian and German, and she gives 10% of her royalties to www.FOBH.org Her New England trilogy includes: Wellesley Wives – September 2012Newton Neighbors – September 2013 Lincoln Ladies – September 2014 Praise for Duffy: “Five Star rating...An all-American heart-warming romantic comedy.”“Suzy Duffy...I had wondered who would be filling Maeve Binchy’s shoes...EXCELLENT...Highly Recommended.”“Duffy isn’t just a good writer, she’s a darn good storyteller, too—a rare combination.”Suzy is Irish and currently lives in Boston with her husband, five children, and one dog. She was recently a guest speaker at the Sydney Writers Festival in Australia. She loves connecting with readers, book clubs, and writer’s events.

Rohnert is descended from a long line of pure-blooded vampires ruled by the Vampire Council. Quiet and principled, he is known for his combat expertise and is beloved by peers and students alike. When his former ally, Goran, becomes the Council leader and the killing starts, Rohnert strikes out on his own.
The vampire race is in upheaval when he discovers a black book that contains the wisdom and history of his people. Rohnert refuses to support Goran’s tyrannical rule and has no interest in ruling himself, no matter what the book foretells. He allies with freedom fighters led by the indomitable Harrow Gates. However, the prophecies fail to prepare him to handle one passionate and determined human doctor.
The last thing Shelly Anderson wanted was to fall in love. After meeting enigmatic and reclusive Rohnert, her resolve quickly crumbles. Their one night together ends in a nightmare. She is determined to carry on without him, but Rohnert’s unexpected reentry into her life derails her plans.
While she teaches him how powerful a human’s love can be, Rohnert realizes the lengths he is willing to go to keep her close and safe, even if it means violating a long-standing decree among pure-blooded vampires to keep their bloodlines intact.
When Goran begins to kill off the remaining Vampire Council Elders, Harrow’s rebels urge Rohnert to step in. It isn’t until harsh reality comes knocking at his door that his choice becomes clear. Rohnert must do whatever he can to save the people he loves or risk losing them forever. However, the reluctant savior may already be too late to protect the lives that matter most.

Deep in the heart of New York City’s netherworld, a horrible disease is ravaging the vampire community. The Vampire Council is on a crusade to obliterate those infected, and Harrow Gates is target Number One. The unwitting source of the plague, he suffers from the same nightmarish symptoms as his victims. The world he'd been thrust into was cold, cruel, and intent on eradicating him, and the legions of afflicted vampires he created with his bite.
A bounty hanging over his head, satisfying his hunger has become an enormous challenge for Harrow. The less he feeds, the more hideous and painful his lesions become. Constantly running for his life and learning new tricks to survive, Harrow is in no position to refuse when Pritchard Tack offers him a unique opportunity.
Pritchard not only gives Harrow a new beginning, but also a purpose and a chance to rectify the chaos he created in the vampire world. However, the multi-billionaire has an agenda of his own.
Jordan is a reluctant new vampire and a woman on a mission. After the demise of her family and her own transformation at the hands of Goran, the ruthless leader of the Vampire Council, her only focus is revenge. Constantly faced with one frustrating dead-end after another, a stroke of luck leads her to an underground facility that she suspects is the lair of the monster for whom she is looking.
Upon learning more about the truth behind the secret bunker, Jordan must fight against her growing feelings of friendship and concern for the facility’s inhabitants. One man in particular threatens to pull her heart away from her sworn mission. There is something behind Harrow’s dark lenses that unsettles the hardened female. Once again, she trembles and hungers for something other than red-stained revenge. Is love strong enough to override her hate-fueled thirst for vengeance?

Book 2: Tormented

Within the Tack Enterprises group of underground fighters, Tor Burns is one of the few non-infected vampires committed to saving his diseased comrades from the vicious clutches of the Vampire Council. He is the meanest, strongest and most impulsive member of the team. Having survived a vicious attack in their underground facility, he now has a new purpose: guard the irresistible daughter of their fallen leader no matter the price. Armed with an abrasive personality and fierce loyalty, Tor approaches this new responsibility with serious determination despite his reservations.
Infected and hunted by the Council, Allison Tack is unable to do as she pleases. A co-heir of the Tack fortune, this beautiful and timid vampire is guarded by those loyal to her father. A walking target wherever she goes, Allison wants to learn how to protect herself, but no one is listening. Sick of being the helpless one in the company of trained fighters around her, Allison vows to prove that she can fight alongside the best of them.
Meanwhile, the harem leader, Melissa, is hell-bent on unraveling any clue about her son Demetrius’ fate. He disappeared without a word, and time has made her desperate. Stepping up her efforts, she seeks the help of Demetrius’ son, Zane. With the additional manpower, Melissa finds the lair of the suspected vampires and wages war against them.
Thrown together by necessity, Tor and Allison can’t continue to deny their attraction to each other. Tor wants to give in to his feelings for her, but old demons resurface. Tormented by a dark secret, Tor must confront the past to prevent losing the best thing that ever happened to him.
A life must be given for a life taken. Will Tor have to sacrifice himself before Allison pays the price?

Lorenz Font discovered her love of writing after reading a celebrated novel that inspired one idea after another. She is currently enjoying the buzz from her vampire novels Hunted and Tormented, the first and second book of The Gates Legacy Series, Indivisible Line, a romantic thriller, Feather Light, an erotic romance and Pieces of Broken Time, a military romance.
Lorenz’s perfect day consists of writing and lounging on her garage couch, aka the office, with a glass of her favorite cabernet while listening to her ever-growing music collection. She enjoys dabbling in different genres, with an intense focus on angst and the redemption of flawed characters. Her fascination with romantic twists is a mainstay in all her stories.
Lorenz lives in California with her husband, children, and two demanding dogs. She divides her time between her full-time job and her busy writing schedule.